University of North Carolina Wilmington combines moderate selectivity with strong mobility outcomes, ranking at the 86th percentile for economic advancement. The university maintains manageable debt levels at $19,500 median while serving diverse student populations, including 23.8% Pell-eligible students, supporting long-term financial stability across varied career paths.
At modestly below average levels, reflecting the gap between graduate earnings and expectations based on student demographics
With above average performance, driven by controlled net prices and manageable debt levels
At above average levels, indicating strong enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students relative to similar institutions
With well above average performance, reflecting the university's effectiveness in supporting economic advancement for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Opportunity Builder: strong mobility outcomes
University of North Carolina Wilmington ranks #435 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with overall performance at the 73rd percentile and classified as above average. Located in Wilmington, North Carolina, this large public university admits 74% of applicants, placing it in the Moderately Selective tier while maintaining strong academic standards.
The university enrolls 23.8% Pell-eligible students and 25.9% first-generation students, demonstrating commitment to educational access. University of North Carolina Wilmington achieves mobility performance at the 86th percentile, earning classification as an Opportunity Builder institution where access combines with solid outcomes.
Despite earnings falling $15,479 below expectations relative to similar students, graduates achieve median earnings of $54,967 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 57th percentile nationally. The university maintains manageable debt levels at $19,500 median, supporting long-term financial stability for graduates across diverse academic programs.
University of North Carolina Wilmington delivers mixed return outcomes with strengths in affordability and debt management. Graduates earn a median of $54,967 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 57th percentile nationally.
Earnings span from $37,279 at the 25th percentile to $81,800 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied career paths across the university's 20 academic programs. While graduates earn $15,479 below expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing the university at the 6th percentile for earnings uplift, debt levels remain well-controlled.
Students seeking strong nursing and business programs at an accessible public university with moderate selectivity. Well-suited for students who prioritize mobility outcomes and manageable costs over prestige rankings.
Strong fit for North Carolina residents looking for quality education with controlled debt levels.
University of North Carolina Wilmington admits 74% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the university in the Moderately Selective category, creating reasonable admission odds for qualified students while maintaining academic standards.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows University of North Carolina Wilmington admits slightly fewer students than typical institutions in its comparison group, though the 4.1 percentage point difference represents minimal additional selectivity. This admission rate indicates that most academically prepared students with appropriate test scores and grade point averages have strong chances for acceptance.
Students should view University of North Carolina Wilmington as an accessible option that doesn't require the exceptional credentials demanded by highly selective institutions. The university's moderate selectivity allows for broader access while still attracting academically motivated students.
For college list building purposes, applicants should treat University of North Carolina Wilmington as a solid match or safety school rather than a reach, depending on their academic profile. This accessibility supports the university's mission of serving diverse student populations, including first-generation and Pell-eligible students who comprise significant portions of the enrolled class.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of North Carolina Wilmington maintains moderate costs typical of public universities, with a published cost of attendance reaching $25,913 annually. This includes $22,985 in out-of-state tuition, though in-state students pay significantly less at $7,317.
Room and board costs $12,605, while books and supplies add $1,130. However, the average student pays considerably less through financial aid, with the average net price of $19,472 representing $6,441 in financial aid savings.
Compared to peer institutions with a median net price of $15,590, University of North Carolina Wilmington costs $3,882 more annually, though this difference reflects the university's higher published prices rather than inadequate aid. The net price varies significantly by family income, ranging from $11,837 for families earning under $30,000 to $25,018 for families earning over $110,000.
This $13,181 spread demonstrates progressive pricing that makes the university accessible to lower-income families while requiring higher-income families to pay closer to sticker price. For North Carolina residents, costs decrease substantially due to in-state tuition rates, making University of North Carolina Wilmington particularly attractive for state residents seeking quality education at controlled prices.
University of North Carolina Wilmington graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth over their early careers. Median earnings rise from $46,972 six years after enrollment to $51,021 at eight years and $54,967 at ten years, representing 17% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect data from substantial cohorts, with 3,575 graduates in the six-year cohort, 3,639 in the eight-year cohort, and 3,417 in the ten-year cohort, providing high confidence in reported figures. While graduates earn $15,479 below expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing University of North Carolina Wilmington at the 6th percentile for earnings uplift, absolute earnings remain above average at the 57th percentile.
Low-income graduates earn $42,700, demonstrating the university's ability to support economic advancement for diverse student populations. Earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with the gap between 25th percentile ($37,279) and 75th percentile ($81,800) representing a 2.2:1 ratio.
Approximately 32% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.
Computer Science.
85 graduates
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
727 graduates
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other.
46 graduates
Business Administration and Management, General.
752 graduates
Analytical Chemistry.
43 graduates
University of North Carolina Wilmington offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data available for analysis. Business Administration and Management leads enrollment with 752 graduates earning a median of $63,879 and ranking #49 nationally, #3 in North Carolina.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing produces 727 graduates with strong median earnings of $71,322, ranking #68 nationally and #1 in North Carolina with an exceptional value score of 75.5. Computer Science, while serving only 85 graduates, delivers the highest median earnings at $80,714, ranking #147 nationally and #9 in North Carolina.
Communication and Media Studies enrolls 242 students with median earnings of $44,581, ranking #128 nationally and #8 in North Carolina. Psychology serves 222 graduates earning $41,804, ranking #176 nationally and #4 in North Carolina.
Aquatic Biology/Limnology stands out with a strong national ranking of #13 despite serving only 84 graduates, demonstrating specialized program excellence within the university's portfolio.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Western Kentucky University Similar quality tier in Southeast (#433 ranked) | KY | 97% | $43,889 | #433 | Compare |
Purdue University Northwest Similar quality tier (#435 ranked) | IN | 71% | $48,318 | #435 | Compare |
Georgia Gwinnett College Similar quality tier in Southeast (#429 ranked) | GA | 96% | $47,730 | #429 | Compare |
University Of Northern Iowa Similar quality tier (#426 ranked) | IA | 94% | $55,177 | #426 | Compare |
Arkansas State University Similar quality tier (#425 ranked) | AR | 70% | $42,617 | #425 | Compare |
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